Holden Seraid C. Andoy is a dedicated and aspiring scholar currently pursuing his academic journey as a junior Bachelor of Science in Biology student, with a specialization in Animal Biology, at the esteemed Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology. Despite the geographical divide separating his homeland from his academic pursuits, Holden made a conscious and deliberate decision to embark on an enlightening internship journey at the renowned University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), specifically within the esteemed Museum of Natural History (MNH), where he rendered a remarkable total of 240 hours of invaluable service.
From a tender age, Holden exhibited an unwavering passion for the realm of science, with a particular fascination for the intricacies of the animal kingdom. His childhood was characterized by an ardent fascination with cinematic productions and documentaries that prominently featured animals, which ignited his curiosity regarding their astounding abilities to thrive and adapt to diverse habitats. It’s worth noting that Holden candidly admitted to experiencing unease in the presence of frogs and cockroaches, yet this fear served as no impediment to his pursuit of a specialized education in the field of animal biology.
Moreover, throughout his comprehensive 240-hour internship at the MNH, Holden had the privilege of gaining multifaceted exposure by rotating through various departments. Initially, he found himself immersed in the treasured collections of the venerable “Father of Philippine Wildlife,” Dioscoro S. Rabor. During this phase, Holden dedicated substantial effort to the meticulous task of digital imaging, focusing on avian specimens, particularly those belonging to the Muscicapidae and Dicaeidae families. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the ongoing re-inventory of these valuable specimens, demonstrating his commitment to preserving scientific heritage. In the course of his internship, Holden also received invaluable instruction in the use of software and applications for 3D modeling, enhancing his technical prowess.
Furthermore, Holden’s journey led him to the hallowed halls of the university’s Hortorium, where he was tasked with the intriguing mission of locating both microsnails and macrosnails. This particular assignment resonated deeply with Holden, as he fondly recalled it as the segment of his internship where he experienced the most gratification. Lastly, he contributed significantly to the Wet Collections department, diligently maintaining and identifying specimens that were yet to be assigned an accession number.
The culmination of these diverse experiences within the hallowed confines of the Museum of Natural History at UPLB-MNH has profoundly enriched Holden’s ardor for the field of biology. It is not merely a repository of knowledge and skills that he takes away from this remarkable opportunity, but also the forging of new bonds and camaraderie with peers from a distant island, cementing his role as a steward of biology and an advocate for the preservation of the natural world.